Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), in partnership with Meridian Trust and Sawtry Village Academy, has successfully secured funding to recommission Sawtry Swimming Pool.
Restoring the pool to full operation requires an estimated £600,000 in capital funding following its closure in December 2022 due to escalating financial pressures and low usage. At a Huntingdonshire District Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 15 April, £360,000 was approved from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This, alongside an additional contribution of £180,000 from HDC and £60,000 from Sawtry Village Academy, will enable the restoration of the pool as without the investment it would have remained closed.
HDC's One Leisure team will oversee the operation of these facilities. Planned works include replacing essential specialist pool plant equipment, reconnecting the air handling and hot water systems and installing a new pool cover and hoist to improve accessibility. Work to restore the pool will commence in due course.
Mike Gildersleeves, Corporate Director for Place at Huntingdonshire District Council, said: "This investment to bring Sawtry Swimming Pool back into use is a testament to the excellent partnership working between the council, Meridian Trust and Sawtry Village Academy. This collaborative effort will bring significant benefits to the local community, providing accessible and affordable swimming opportunities for all. With Sawtry’s population continuing to grow, reinstating the pool will help address the district’s shortage of swimming facilities and meet increasing local demand. We are delighted that residents will once again have access to a local leisure centre and swimming pool.
"Utilising the Community Infrastructure Levy, which the District Council receives from new developments, is a key way we can support and strengthen our communities. This funding enables us to invest in projects that will have a meaningful local impact. We have already seen the positive outcomes of previous CIL-supported initiatives, and we remain committed to supporting the development of infrastructure that promotes both district-wide and localised growth. This includes improving the supply of new and affordable housing, job opportunities, and essential community facilities."
Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust, said: "We are proud to be part of this collaborative project to bring Sawtry Swimming Pool back into use. At Meridian Trust, we are committed to creating opportunities that benefit both our students and the wider community. This investment will not only restore a vital local facility but also enhance health, wellbeing, and learning for all. We look forward to seeing the pool once again serve as a hub of activity and community spirit in Sawtry."
Simon Parsons, Principal of Sawtry Village Academy, added: "The return of Sawtry Swimming Pool is fantastic news for both our students and the wider community. Swimming is a vital life skill, and having on-site access to such a facility will strengthen our curriculum and extra curricular offering. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from our partners and look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on generations of young people and local residents alike."
In line with the council’s constitution, the decision to award CIL funding will take effect after five working days unless called in for review by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Performance and Growth.